What Is The Best Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower

What Is A Self Propelled Mower

Unlike traditional mowers, self propelled mowers have a hydrostatic system that allows them to move on their own, which means no more pushing! You just pull a lever or press a button and the mower can be steered with ease. Self propelled mowers can have front-wheel drive, which is suited to flat lawns, or back-wheel drive, which will help you navigate difficult terrain or slopes. They also come with mowing speeds that can be adjusted to match your fitness level or lawn condition.

Most self propelled lawn mowers are powered by petrol or electricity. Of the two, petrol mowers have greater power due to their size and engine capacity, which means they can handle large gardens with little effort. Electric lawn mowers, on the other hand, tend to have less power and flexibility. With battery-operated models, auto drive can sap the battery fairly quickly, so youll need to recharge more frequently than usual. Thats why theyre better suited to small gardens.

So, who are self propelled mowers for? If youre a gardener with reduced mobility, limited time or a large lawn, self propelled mowers can be a practical option. Not only do they speed up your mowing time, but they can also take the sweat out of mowing literally! No wonder self propelled mowers have a 40 per cent share of the push mower market in the US . They save us valuable time that can be better spent with family and friends.

Which Is Better Front Wheel Or Rear Wheel Drive Lawn Mower

The decision to buy a front-wheel , rear-wheel , or all-wheel drive , is a matter of personal preference and affordability. Generally, FWD mowers are considered the easiest to operate on a level lawn and are also easier to make turns with. Just tilt the front wheels up when and make your turn.

RWD mowers on the other hand, with the weight centered over the rear wheels, are better for hilly or sloping yards.

The ultimate drive system, the AWD mower is considered the best mower for steep hills but is easily the most powerful drive system for lawn mowers in any condition.

Pull Cord Vs Electric Start

If you have ever mowed a lawn before, you understand the frustration that can arise with traditional recoil starts. You pump the primer, wait a few seconds, and pull the cord. Nothing.

You repeat this five or six more times, tiring yourself out before youve even begun the real work, and still, nothing.

Finally, you either give up until another day or continue pulling until the motor finally starts some several minutes later.

Electric starts can be a saving grace, especially for people with back pain or waning upper body strength. These mowers are easy to start with just one push of a button or turn of a key, and theres no need to prime anything.

However, there are drawbacks to electric starts, as well.

Since self-propelled mowers power this functionality with batteries, those batteries will eventually die and can be expensive to replace. Theres also a chance of further malfunctions in the electrical makeup of the machine.

Overall, though, these arent constant issues and shouldnt deter you from purchasing a mower with an electric start, if thats what you prefer.

Pull cord or electric start? It really comes down to your preference. If you dont want to deal with pulling a finicky cord, dont. If you prefer the old-school, recoil way of starting your engine, go for it.

One really isnt that much better than the other. Also, keep in mind that many mowers with electric starts come equipped with backup recoil starts, just in case.

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Final Verdict On Affordable Self

Which is the best self-propelled lawn mower under $400 for you?

Unfortunately – and you may have expected this answer if youve read our other articles thats not something we can tell you.

The problem with having such a wide selection of lawn mowers is that its tough for us to select one that caters to your specific needs.

On the flip side, its a huge advantage for you. Whatever you want, youll get.

Looking for a mower powered by one of the most reliable engines you can find? Go for the Honda HRR216K9VKA.

We could continue listing such examples the entire day, but the point is that you have to find the mower that fits your requirements perfectly. Weve already looked at the self-propulsion aspect for you now its up to you to decide on the rest.

Which Is Better: Push Mowers Vs Self

In some ways, walk-behind lawn mowers are alike. They require the user to walk behind the mower and push it forward to cut the grass.

Theres one main difference between a push mower and self-propelled lawn mowers. With self-propelled mowers the motor does most of the work for you! So, all you have to do is guide the mower where it needs to go.

With a push mower, the motor spins the cutting blade and thats it.

Self-propelled mowers are different. Self-propelled mowers have a gearbox connected to the wheels in the front or the back of the mower. This gearbox configuration helps the mower push forward mechanically by itself

If you have a small lawn to mow, it likely wont make much of a difference if youre trying to decide between a self-propelled vs. push mower. But with lawns and yards that are an acre or more in size, the distinction between mowers makes a big difference.

On a practical level, self-propelled lawn mowers result in much less back-breaking work, so the more significant your lawn is, the more you will appreciate this type of mower.

Self-propelled lawn mowers practically cut your grass on their own, whereas you have to work harder and make a conscientious effort to get the job done with a standard push mower.

Read More Best Mowers Made in America Push Mowers vs. Riding Mowers!

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What To Look For In A Self Propelled Mower

A self-propelled mower should automatically turn the blade off every time you release the handle for safety reasons.

Some mowers also have what is called a blade override system that will automatically disengage a blade from spinning while at the same time allowing the engine to keep on running. Youll be able to cut grass faster, and that will extend the engines life because it wont have to stop and start every 2-3 minutes.

Choose the wheel size that is best for your property and for your motor. If the wheels on the mower are too small, they wont be able to get around on those hilly or uneven areas, despite the fact that the machine has levers for elevating or lowering, since the weight of the mower will be pressing down the wheels .

Stay away from smaller plastic wheels as well. Theyre twice as likely to crack or break if theyre left unprotected in the sunlight, if theyve battled with numerous small rocks, or if theyve been continuously exposed to very wet conditions.

Remington Rm410 Pioneer 159cc 21

Go effortless with Remington RM410 Pioneer 159cc 21-Inch AWD Self-Propelled 3-in-1 Gas Lawn Mower!

Clean up your lawn in a flash with the Remington RM410 Pioneer 159cc 21-inch AWD self-propelled 3-in-1 gas lawn mower.

Construction & Design

Powerful 159cc OHV engine with auto-choke packs adequate power to cut through toughest grass and rust-defiant 21-inch steel deck gets the work done rapidly and proficiently.

Variable speed gives all-wheel-drive for utmost control. SureCut blade raises and flows as it cuts so you can mulch without clumping.

Theres dual-lever handle with 6 disparate height settings and adjustable soft grip for grass tallness customization and ease. 81.9lbs RM410 measures 40.5×24.2×18.1.

Technology

This gas-powered lawn mower has a durable 159cc OHV auto-choke engine to mow broader swaths of grass with lesser passes. Its exclusive changeable dual-lever drive control offers you the liberty to operate front/rear wheels separately, or engage both concurrently for utmost toehold in all-wheel drive style.

It comes with an ideal amount of oil. You can set it up in 20 minutes. Theres great traction on the wheels for hilly areas.

Effortless mowing, easy to start, gas up, and dump grass clippings Remington has solid build and performance.

Powerful engine allows easy initiation. Innovative design allows you to pick front, rear, or all-wheel-drive for utmost control and toehold.

Durability & Ease Of Use

Pros

Construction & Design

Technology

Pros

Technology

Pros

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Webb Wer401sp Rotary Self

• Engine: 132 cc
• Cutting height:
• Gras box: 45 litre

Webb Classic WER401SP is a great lawnmower for small and medium areas. Its a two in one gardening tool that deals with grass clipping in a couple of ways as per your preference. The mower can either rear discharge the cuttings or store them in a 45-litre bag. The large rear wheels keep it stable so that the machine can smoothly move over uneven grounds.

The Webb Classic lawnmower is available at a reasonable cost, but that doesnt mean its inferior that the comparisons. WER401SP comes with a DVO130 132cc engine and a decent cutting width of 41 cm. It has an OHV design, which simply means that the engine is fuel-efficient, quiet and low on carbon emission.

Due to its compact deck size, the machine easily navigates through all the obstacles. Length of its blade is comparatively less and its the reason why the machine might take some extra minutes to cover a large lawn. Its single lever height adjustment offers you a choice between 25 to 75mm. There are seven levels in between the given heights. So, you can choose any grass length that can improve the appearance of your lawn.

WER401SP has a recoil start that also needs priming. It has steel made deck that s durable and can withstand regular usage. This self-propelled machine uses ball bearing wheels to tackle rough grounds. Its handle is foldable, which is helpful for storage.

Reasons to buy:

What Is The Most Reliable Brand Of Push Mower

There are several great brands producing reliable push mowers. Honda, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, and Husqvarna push mowers all offer excellent quality. Check the specifications to make sure the mower can do what you need it to. And know that not all brands make all types of mowers. For instance, gas-powered Honda push mowers have been on the market for a long time, but the company has only recently entered the electric mower market. Choose a brand known for great mechanical products. They will last a long time and the parts needed for repairs and maintenance will be readily available.Related:Leaves falling all over your lawn? Your good spirits wont follow them with the best leaf vacuum.

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Husqvarna Le221r Cordless Self

Best Heavy Duty Self Propelled Battery Mower

This self-propelled lawn mower uses a 40-volt battery and features an easy push-button start. It also comes with a 3-in-1 cutting system which means you can bag, mulch, or side discharge your clippings. It’s the perfect mower for small and medium yards, especially if you have obstacles to mow around, as it’s fairly easy to maneuver.

Why We Liked It: This battery mower runs quietly at only 89 dBA. You’ll be able to mow your entire yard if you install 2 batteries at once. It features a steel deck and 11 inch rear wheels for easy maneuverability.

Cutting WidthPowerCutting Position

Ego Power+ Lm2130sp 56

Best Light Weight Self Propelled Battery Mower

This self-propelled lawn mower runs on two 56 volt 7.5 aH ARC Lithium batteries. Fully charged, the batteries should give you at least 60 minutes of run time. The self-propel speed is adjustable to suit your walking speed. It features a multi-blade system for better mowing than even gas-powered mowers.

Why We Liked It: This battery-powered lawn mower will have your lawn looking fantastic without producing any carbon emissions. It’s easy to start with just the push of a button. Plus, there’s no need to change the oil or top it up because it doesn’t use any. It runs much quieter than a gas mower.

Cutting widthPowerCutting Position

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Craftsman M215 159cc 21

Features :

• POWERFUL 159CC OHV GAS ENGINE: Powerful gas engine comes equipped with recoil and auto choke. No more fussing with a primer or choke just pull to start!
• 3-IN-1 CAPABILITIES: Unit has side discharge, rear discharge, and mulching capabilities.
• FRONT WHEEL DRIVE: Tip-up, turn, and maneuver around level terrain with ease.
• SELF PROPELLED AND VARIABLE SPEED: Move around your yard with less effort and the propulsion speed of your choice.
• DUAL-LEVER ADJUSTABLE CUTTING HEIGHT: Choose from 6 different height settings to suit users needs.

Additional Info :

Cub Cadet Sc 500 Eq Signature Cut Self

Theres no doubt an electric start mower is incredibly convenient and there are plenty of good options out there. Our pick for the best electric start self-propelled lawn mower goes to the Cub Cadet SC 500 EQ.

Its 159cc engine gives it solid power to keep its blade speed high, and it has all three discharge options .

What sets it apart from other electric start lawn mowers is it SmartSound Technologya design that reduces the engine noise without a big drop in performance. If you like to get started on your yard work early, its a choice your neighbors will thank you for.

Price: $449

Learn more from Cub Cadet or find a dealer.

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Toro Recycler 20339 Walk

If you are looking for a robust self-propelled mower that comes at a great price, Toro Recycler 20339 is an exceptional pick. Its certainly one of the best self-propelled lawn mowers under $400. Coming in a simplistic design yet offering beastly power, this model has gained exponential popularity in the last couple of years.

Plus, it unique foldable design that allows you to store it in upright position makes it stand out from similarly qualified gas mowers. According to Toro, this unique design helps save storage space up to 70 percent when compared to traditional models.

Performance and Power

Despite its massive size, this mower is powered by a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine that produces enough torque for a smooth operation. It also boasts of an intelligent Personal Pace control system.

This is a patented control system adjusts the mower’s speeds automatically to match your walking speed. The systems sense the pressure applied to the control bar allowing it to reach speeds of up to 4.8mp.

Another stand out feature is the washout port. The feature enables the users to connect a garden hose to the mower that sprays the mowing dome underside, making cleanups easier.

Our favorite feature is the all-wheel-drive traction a traction assist. Both the front and rear wheels feature helpful aggressive threats and spin independently to give you the best traction on when mowing uneven surfaces.

Cut Quality

Maneuverability

Ease of Use

Features at a Glance

Engine Performance

Toro 21378 Recycler Lawn Mower: Best Gas Lawn Mower For Cutting Heights

Reasons to avoid

When it comes to a reliable cut and easy-to-handle operation, the Toro 21378 is one of the best mowers for the job. This affordable machine is packed with features too and includes a mulching system that finely shreds grass and puts it back onto your lawn to nourish it. If you wanted to bag the grass instead, then the Toro 21378 also has a quick-connect bagging system that allows you to easily switch from mulching.

The 150cc engine and 22-inch steel deck can take on yards of up to half an acre, with the adjustable handle and lightweight 11-inch rear wheels making it super-easy to control over most lawns. There is also flexibility for precision cutting, and this self-propelling lawn mower has nine positions that will trim between one to four inches.

Overall, when it comes to residential use this self-propelled gas mower is a no-brainer, and at 74lb the Toro 21378 Recycler Lawn Mower can be used by most people with relative ease.

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Under $: Craftsman M210 21

Getting a good self-propelled lawn mower for less than $300 is tough. You typically find OEM engines instead of brand names, the power levels drop, and you lose some cut quality. Still, there are some that do the job well.

Our pick for the best walk-behind lawn mower for the money under $300 goes to Craftsmans M210. It uses a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine for power. The trade-off is that its a single-speed drive and will mulch or bag, but not side discharge.

On a positive note, this is a mower thats Made in the USA with global materials by folks in Tupelo, MS.

Make Sure Your Lawn Is In Tip

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Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Lawn mowers are a key tool in most homeowners arsenalsthey make it quick and easy to keep grass at the proper height and your yard looking neat all season long. Lawn mowers come in a variety of different sizes and styles, including ride-on and walk-behind models, and the best one for your needs will depend mostly on the size and terrain of your lawn.

When shopping for a lawn mower, youll need to decide between gas, battery or electric models, as well as a wide range of deck sizesthe larger the cutting deck, the faster youll be able to mow large areas. Of course, youll also need to balance this with your budget, as ride-on models are significantly more expensive than walk-behind styles.

The following are the best lawn mowers you can use to tend your grass.

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Power Type: Gas | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge | Size of Yard: 1/41/2 acres

• Self-propelled design is easy to move

• Adapts mowing speed to match pace

• 3-in-1 cutting system

• Heavy weight can be hard to turn

• Discharge chute prone to clogging

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